Mediworld-NOV-DEC-2020 Final Draft

Research
Microneedle patch to rapidly
detect the presence of
malaria in interstitial fluid
Researchers at Rice University have developed a microneedle
patch that can rapidly detect the presence of malaria in interstitial
uid. Users can apply the patch to their skin, as you would a
bandage, and then obtain a result in as little as 20 minutes. The
technology is low-cost and requires no expertise to utilize.
Malaria is a signi cant killer in many parts of the world where
access to medical services is limited or non-existent. Obtaining a
laboratory-based malaria diagnosis is challenging or impossible
for many people living in such regions. Low-cost, point-of-care
diagnostic alternatives are clearly needed, and this latest
technology may ful ll these criteria.
Containing a 4 x 4 array of hollow microneedles, the patch gently
penetrates the skin when applied and draws interstitial uid
inside itself, where an antibody-based lateral- ow test strip
detects protein biomarkers of malaria. The device provides an
easy to read visual result in the form of colored strips, similar to a
pregnancy test, in about 20 minutes.
At only 375 microns wide, the microneedles are truly tiny, and do
not cause signi cant pain on insertion. They are hydrophilic, and
so easily draw interstitial uid into the device. “Xue and I have
applied the patch to our skin, and it doesn't feel painful at all
compared to a nger prick or a blood draw,” said Peter Lillehoj, a
researcher involved in the study, in a Rice University press release.
“It's less painful than getting a splinter. I would say it feels like
putting tape on your skin and then peeling it off.”
New respirator an improvement
on standard N95 masks
R e s e a r c h e r s a t
B r i g h a m a n d
Women's Hospital
and Massachusetts
I n s t i t u t e o f
Technology have
designed a new
r e s p i r a t o r ,
conceived as an improvement on standard N95 masks. The
transparent respirator contains sensors that allow users to
know if the mask is tting snugly and alerts them when the
lters need to be replaced. The mask, called the transparent,
elastomeric, adaptable, long-lasting (TEAL) respirator, can be
sterilized repeatedly, helping to reduce waste and avoid
respirator shortages.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for respirators and
masks has been urgent. Our team has worked to develop a
respirator platform that not only ts comfortably and snugly
but can also be sterilized and re-sterilized,” said Giovanni
Traverso, a researcher involved in the study. “In this study, we
looked at up to 100 re-sterilization cycles and found that the
TEAL respirator we've designed can withstand that.”
So far, the researchers have tested a variety of sterilization
procedures with the respirator, including bleaching, UV
sterilization, autoclaving, microwaving, and exposure to
Interestingly, the bandage may also be useful in detecting other
diseases, including COVID-19. “In this paper, we focus on malaria
detection because this project was funded by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation, and it's a big priority for them,” said
Lillehoj. “But we can adapt this technology to detect other
diseases for which biomarkers appear in interstitial uid.”
The researchers estimate that the device may cost as little as $1 if
manufactured in bulk, suggesting that it may be useful in low
resource regions. Its appearance as a bandage helps to make it
more relatable and less daunting for non-clinical users and not
scary for the patients getting screened.
“We didn't intend for it to look like a bandage,” said Lillehoj. “We
started with a rectangular shape and then just rounded the
edges to make it a little more presentable. We didn't plan for that,
but perhaps it makes the patch more relatable to the general
public.”
isopropyl alcohol. The mask maintained its elasticity and
effectiveness with each sterilization procedure, suggesting
that it is suitable for use in a wide variety of healthcare settings.
The device incorporates sensors to help users wear it correctly
and ensure that it is functioning as intended. These include a
thermochromic coating that changes color when it contacts
the skin, helping users to ensure that it is providing a snug t
against the face. Other sensors can detect when the lters are
saturated, and a variety of other parameters including
exhalation/inhalation pressures, respiratory rate, and
exhalation temperature can be measured.
The transparent mask may also help with communication,
which can be difficult with conventional masks. “One of the big
bene ts of the TEAL respirator is that it enables visualization of
the lips,” said James Byrne, another researcher involved in the
study. “This can be immensely helpful in communication and
expression, especially during this time when communication
through N95 respirators and surgical masks makes it
challenging to understand one another.”
In a trial of the respirator with a group of volunteers, the
majority preferred the respirator compared with conventional
respirators, and were able to wear the respirator correctly and
easily change the lters. “We were excited to receive the
feedback from the trial participants that they would love to
continue using and testing the respirator, given its comfort,
transparency and ease of use,” said Byrne.
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